Year-Long Study in Japan: Business, Culture and Language Program
Learn Japanese & gain a deeper understanding of Japan



Program Description
This program is designed for undergraduate students from partner universities who wish not only to improve their Japanese language skills and to gain a deeper understanding of Japanese business, culture, and history but also to attend regular academic classes. From September to December, the business and culture/history classes offered are taught in English. From January to February, students are required to take Japanese Language classes (7 week Winter Term) to improve their language skills in preparation for taking regular classes. From April to August, participants will be assigned to an appropriate academic department, as well as a suitable advisory professor, based on their field of study (as indicated in participants’ Study Plan) and enroll in regular classes (conducted in Japanese) alongside full-time Senshu University students. During that time, participants will also have the option* to continue taking Japanese language classes (depending on their level of Japanese and/or at the recommendation of their advisory professor). There is a fee for takin Japanese Language and Culture
programs.
* Studentsmustcontinue to take the JLC (Spring and Summer) course if they are unable to complete J3 class or higher at the Winter JLC, or if their Japanese language proficiency is below JLPT N3.
Throughout the program, Senshu offers many opportunities to participate in activities with Japanese students on campus.
Throughout the program, Senshu offers many opportunities to participate in activities with Japanese students on campus.

Program Calendar
[Period #1] September 19, 2025 – December 12, 2025
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[Period #2] January 8, 2026 – February 27, 2026
“2025 Fall Term Business, Culture, and Language (BCL) Program” (i.e. period #1). |
[Break Period] February 28, 2026 – March 31, 2026
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[Period #3] April – August 31, 2026 Students enroll in regular academic courses (conducted in Japanese) alongside full-time Senshu University students.
- Pass level N3 on the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT).
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Application
Application Deadline for Senshu University is Friday, June 27, 2025
Payment Deadline is Mid to Late July, 2025
To apply for the "Year-Long Study in Japan"(YLBCL) Program 2025-2026, the following materials are needed:
- Online Application (form indicated in the "Japanese Language" course
- Online Comprehension Checklist (for the “Japanese Language” course)
- The YBCL Program 2024-25 Confirmation Sheet (Senshu Univerisity).xlsx
- 2025–2026 YLBCL Detailed Study Plan.xlsx
- Letter of Commitment 2025 (Senshu University).pdf
- Application for Certificate of Eligibility (Senshu University).xlsx
- Home Visit Registration Form (Only for those who wish to participate)
You will receive an email from the Home Visit Arrangement Agency (Nextage Inc.) with a link to the form at the email address provided on the application form.
Please submit the form by the specified due date. - Official Transcripts
- 2025–2026 YLBCL Program Health Certificate.pdf
- Photos of the Applicant (4 cm × 3 cm / 1-5/8” × 1-3/16”)*1
- Copy of Passport
- Evidence of Japanese Language Proficiency *2
*1
- Headshot (passport style; facing front, showing your full face and shoulders, no hat or background).
- Informal or casual photos are not accepted
- Taken within the last 3 months
*2
- Examples include scores and/or certificates from the following Japanese tests.
- Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)
- Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU)
- If a score or certificate cannot be submitted, students must submit a “Letter of Recommendation” regarding their Japanese language level that is issued by their home university.